Oftentimes elderly residential communities are challenged with encouraging residents to socialize with each other, spend time outside of their residences or simply to embrace the landscape and nature. Gypsy Hill located in Staunton, Virginia had already taken all of these challenges into consideration. As a result, our role became to take the built environment that was there and make it better for this active independent living community. The central courtyard, flanked by the residential units was designed to encourage the interaction of the residents. Our focal point became to enhance these public spaces; updating the courtyard, rebuilding landscaping and personal garden spaces, replacing stairs and ensuring accessibility. In addition to exterior renovations, updating occurred throughout the individual units and enhancements to the community room were also a part of the newly renovated community.